Tough-talking President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a stern warning to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri during the Nairobi International Trade Fair on September 4, 2018.
During his speech, the president swore before God to punish ministry officials, if they failed to pay maize farmers, who had supplied grains to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
NCPB was accused of making payments to traders and brokers, thus leaving no money for farmers who supplied the maize.
"I promise you and I swear before God, try that again and you’ll see what will happen to you. Sisi hatutaki mchezo tena (We won't entertain this again)," he stated.
As he left the podium, speaking in Kikuyu, a visibly angry Uhuru cautioned Kiunjuri against making payments to the brokers again cautioning, “Mungiriha ni mukwona (If you pay I'll deal with you)!”
The president also promised that those who were involved in the initial misappropriation would face the consequences.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe, former NCPB Managing Director Newton Terer and crafty traders who pocketed hundreds of millions in questionable deals, have been prosecuted and are out on bail, awaiting the hearing and conclusion of the cases in court.
MPs from the Rift Valley had promised to lead anti-government protests from Monday next week if farmers are not paid.
Nandi Hills lawmaker Alfred Keter accused NCPB of frustrating farmers with the intention of creating a way for future maize exports.
The money owed to farmers is approximately Ksh3.5 billion.
Watch the video courtesy of Citizen TV.
